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Sprinkler conference to be held in Stoke-on-Trent

02 July 2012

Staffordshire and Cheshire fire and rescue services are holding a regional sprinkler conference in Stoke-on-Trent this week.

The conference, 'Think Sprinkler − Enough is Enough' will address delegates about the need for increased use of sprinkler systems to reduce the number of fire deaths and injuries that occur every year and to prevent unnecessary damage to buildings and the environment from fire.

MPs, housing associations, councils, architects, building developers and universities are amongst the groups of people who have been invited to the half day event being held at The Moat House on Friday 6th July.

The keynote speaker will be Welsh Assembly Member, Ann Jones who was responsible for pushing through legislation in Wales which will see all new build domestic properties fitted with sprinklers from next year.

Other speakers include Steve Seaber from the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association who will discuss the retro fitting of sprinklers at Callow Mount, Sheffield and Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Derbyshire, Andy Waldie who will discuss the human cost of not having sprinklers.

Opening the event, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Staffordshire and the CFOA Lead Officer for Sprinklers, Chris Enness, said: "We're saying enough is enough because quite simply there is a perfect storm of fire risk factors approaching − an ageing population, more independent living and an increase in social vulnerability will result in a dramatic increase in accidental house fires in coming years. We need to take action now to prevent this and that action is to make the fitting of sprinklers more widespread. A lot of large businesses fit sprinklers to protect their stock in the event of a fire, what about protecting lives though?

"At the conference we'll be dispelling myths about sprinklers, giving case studies of success stories and addressing delegates to say they have a responsibility to seriously consider the use of sprinklers."

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service's Head of Community Fire Protection, Keith Brooks said: "Domestic fires can have a devastating effect on homes and families and develop quickly, destroying rooms within minutes. This is why Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting the national campaign to promote the installation of sprinkler systems to help reduce the risk of deaths by fire.

"We want to encourage people to come along to this conference and see just what a difference a sprinkler can make and how many lives it could save."

The event will run from 9am-2pm and lunch will be included. Attendance at the event is free although booking is necessary. To book a space please contact Nicky Westwood on 01785 898979 or email n.westwood@staffordshirefire.gov.uk